Recently there’s been an uproar about working moms versus stay-at-home moms. I don’t get it. My first reaction brought to mind a chapter in Motherhood Matters (indulge me a minute).
Paraphrasing Sheri Dew, I share that “Motherhood is the very essence of who we are. Motherhood actually defines our identity, divine nature, and stature, and is uniquely given to women alone.”
Single or married, having physically borne children or not, working at home or in an office, is not the material point. What does matter “is that we learn to love ‘mothering’…It gives us the opportunity to grow and become infinitely more than we could without it. We understand more about people, life, and our purpose here.”
It’s about caring. It’s about nurturing. It’s about fully being a woman, which is to recognize others in need and to help fill that need as best as we personally can. Remember Mother Teresa was never paid as an “office worker” but did great good every single day, fighting for the neglected. Clara Barton, who never married, founded the Red Cross and though was likely paid in her profession was a “mother” to thousands of wounded soldiers. Did that make her nurturing less effective?
As women, I’m sure we can put aside the rhetoric and instead, in a very real sense, join arms together and help one another in our particular situations. This week I encourage us to enjoy and look for opportunities to “mother”, no matter where or how, and keep the softness in the world that we so desperately need.
In keeping with that, the contest question this week is, “How has someone’s ‘mothering’ made you a better person?” I know my single sixth grade teacher, Miss Lynda Hatch, helped me become who I am today by her incredible caring and teaching, which was most definitely part mothering. I can’t express my gratitude to her. Feel free to email your response to me at me@conniesokol.com by Saturday midnight for a free Motherhood Matters book and download.
And enjoy being a mother this week, in whatever way or situation you’re blessed to experience.
Best,
Connie
P.S. The winner of last week’s question regarding the best bit of mothering advice received was Taralynn Parker She said, “The best piece of mothering advice I have ever received is that sometimes you have to choose peace over productivity.” Congrats Taralynn, and enjoy your book and download!
Both of these items are happening tomorrow 4/19/2012:
Studio 5 at 11 a.m. on helping children, young and adult, solve their own problems.
“Making Time to Write”–teaching a writing workshop at the Pleasant Grove Library, 7 p.m. Book drawings and great info!
We have another review for you to read also of Motherhood Matters, enjoy this one at Rachelle Christensen blog.
Here is what she had to say, “I was thrilled to get this darling little book full of insights and uplifting information for mothers. This would be a perfect Mother’s day gift for that special mom in your life.” To read more of this review follow her at Rachelle Christensen blog.
